Transfer News: Highly sought after 22-year-old Ligue 1 midfield star on Tottenham’s radar

Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur express interest in RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure

According to the French publication Jeunes Footeux (h/t Burnley Express), Tottenham Hotspur have registered their interest in securing the services of RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure ahead of the summer transfer window. Spurs are in need of midfield additions despite the arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur last month.

Tottenham are keeping tabs on the situation of Doucoure as they look to solidify their backline. They are looking to back Antonio Conte through midfield signings following the departures in the January transfer window.

Spurs also face competition from Borussia Monchengladbach and Sevilla for signing the 22-year-old as the summer transfer window draws close. He has been a regular for his side this season and could potentially become one of the superstars in the future.

Who is Cheick Doucoure?

The Malian primarily plays as a defensive midfielder just ahead of the backline and is also versatile enough to play as a centre-back or a central midfielder when needed. That is always a great bonus as he could cover for others if needed.

The Ligue 1 star has featured in 23 matches this season, making three assists across all competitions. His renowned proactiveness helps him read dangerous opposition plays and shut them down before it gets too threatening.

The Lens ace’s ability to consistently win back the possession is a great asset to have and would certainly suit Conte. The midfielder is a workhorse in the sense that he is switched on throughout the match, making him an athletic presence in the middle of the park.

While the Mali international can still improve on the offensive side of things, he has an excellent knack to threaten from long ranges, which would be helpful against low-blocks. He can also join in on the attack by breaking lines when he has the licence to do so. His rise in quality over the past few years coincided with the French club’s promotion to the first division two seasons ago. He was crucial in their progression, which has continued to be the case this term as well.

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We need to be careful about the interest from Julen Lopetegui’s side and Monchengladbach ahead of next summer. Following the exits of Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso last month, we need more midfielders in our squad. Bentancur was brought in, but the depth is still questionable at this point.

It remains to be seen how this situation will pan out in the coming month as the summer transfer window draws close. Only time will paint a clear picture about what lies in store for us ahead of next season.